Support

California Child Support Attorney

Sacramento Area Child Support Lawyer

In California, child support obligations are determined using guidelines. The guidelines are calculated using a variety of computer programs. I have the same programs that the courts use in determining child support obligations. Simply bring in a pay stub from both parents and I can begin to accurately predict what the court will do given a variety of circumstances.

While the guidelines do automatically calculate child support payments, adjusting various factors can help create a more favorable obligation amount. For example, the more time that your children reside with you the lower your child support payments will be. Therefore, accurately calculating the time percentage can be crucial. Often people overlook pretax deductions such as healthcare premiums, union dues, and mandatory retirement contributions. These costs can affect what the child support should be under the guideline calculations. If they are not properly accounted for, the amount could be inaccurate and cost you money.

Do you have a variable income? Are you paid by commission or receive bonuses? Are you a significantly high earner? If not addressed properly, these income related situations can result in an incorrect obligation being ordered.

Before you step into court I can run a variety of possible scenarios through the child support calculator computer programs that are used to determine your obligation so that we can pursue a child support obligation that is fair and accurate for you and your children.

Factors That Determine Child Support Levels

The factors that are used to determine child support obligations include:

Gross income of the non-custodial parent

Gross income of custodial parent

Number of children

Percentage of time non-custodial parent has physical responsibility for the children

Health insurance premiums

Court ordered financial obligations for a previous spouse or children from previous relationships

The Court Seeks to Promote the Bests Interests of the Child

The court knows that the creation of a stable home life can be encouraged by making sure that the child has the necessary resources — food, clothing, a home, health care, access to normal childhood activities, among others — and that those things require money to maintain. The court realizes that the creation of well thought out child support plans can ensure that the child has access to those resources. If the information used to calculate your support amount, owed or received, is not correct – neither will the amount ordered.

California Spousal Support / Alimony Attorney

Alimony Lawyer Serving Sacramento, California

Spousal support, or alimony as most people know it, is a monthly financial obligation from one spouse to the other. The goal of alimony is the maintenance of the standard of living from the marriage for the less financially viable spouse while still respecting the situation of the other spouse. In California, depending on the circumstances of your individual divorce, alimony may be awarded temporarily, permanently, or not at all.

During divorce proceedings alimony is likely to be a source of dissension between the parties. While child support obligations may be viewed as necessary and accepted readily, alimony, even when it is truly appropriate, can be fought over by parties.

Factors Considered by the Court When Determining Spousal Support

For spousal support ordered in the final divorce and continuing after, if any, the courts are required to look at a number of factors when determining if alimony is appropriate and the size and duration of the obligation. Among them are:

Duration of the marriage

Earning capacity of the parties

Age and health of the parties

Debts and assets of each party

Ability of supported party to earn sufficient income without unduly interfering in the interests of dependent children in their care

Tax consequences

Did one party cease pursuing goals associated with growth in their career to support the development of the spouse’s career (e.g., pursuit of further education, a particular career or license or certification)

Balance of hardships

Once the decision to award alimony is made, it still must be determined if the award will be in effect only while divorce proceedings are underway, temporary with some other ending point, or permanent. Additionally, the amount of the award must be set. As your attorney, I will work to make sure your needs are recognized by the court.

Free Initial Consultations

To answer questions about alimony effectively I often need to ask questions of my clients. In order to provide the best answers possible regarding alimony I offer free initial consultations at my Sacramento office. Call 916-287-3237 or contact me online to learn more about how I can help you.

Resources

Gold River Family Law's goal is to help you. If you would like to educate yourself, have a look at these resources on local and state laws.

Attorney Spotlight

Carsen Smith is the founding lawyer of Gold River Family Law. Her personal approach and drive to advocate for you are a winning combination.